Oklahoma 45th Infantry Division Museum Holds ‘Remembrance Ceremony’

On this Memorial Day, the 45th Infantry Division Museum hosted its annual remembrance ceremony and announced plans for a new National Guard Museum. State military leaders have dubbed the area of northeast 36th and Martin Luther King Avenue as “Veterans Corner.” A new National Guard Museum will be built in the future and will host Memorial Day events for years to come  

The sound of sacrifice echoed from a trumpet on Monday in front of the state’s 45th Infantry Division Museum. The museum has been the Memorial Day gathering place for metro veterans and their families for decades. 

“So, we have all the services covered expect the Coast Guard,” said Leroy Giddens, Air Force veteran. 

They are not only brothers in arms, but they are brothers by blood. The Giddens’ brothers, minus one who could not attend, have more than 65 years of service. 

“We all served at the same time, different branches of service,” said Giddens. “But we all felt the need to show our patriotism to our country.”   

The brothers have the same mission on Memorial Day and that is to remember the ones who never made it home. 

“We got to make sure their families are recognized, too,” said Charles Giddens, Army veteran. “One of the things I started at the museum is ‘The Path of Remembrance,” the bricks.” 

Oklahoma's adjutant General honored the fallen heroes who fought next to the Giddens’ bothers and so many others. Brigadier General Thomas Mancino also thanked state leaders for funding a new museum to complement the 45th's long standing tradition. 

“We remain one of the states in the nation that is very responsive to the military,” said Brigadier General Thomas Mancino, Oklahoma Acting Adjutant General. “That I feel treats our fallen heroes with the respect they’re due and I’m grateful for that.”  

The state plans to break ground on the $41-million museum in 12 to 18 months.